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Giants vs. 49ers: 5 key matchups to watch in Week 10 for San Francisco

By Peter Panacy

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OCTOBER 14: Wide receiver Victor Cruz #80 of the New York Giants is tackled by cornerback Carlos Rogers #22 of the San Francisco 49ers after a pass reception during the fourth quarter at Candlestick Park on October 14, 2012 in San Francisco, California. The New York Giants defeated the San Francisco 49ers 26-3. Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OCTOBER 14: Wide receiver Victor Cruz #80 of the New York Giants is tackled by cornerback Carlos Rogers #22 of the San Francisco 49ers after a pass reception during the fourth quarter at Candlestick Park on October 14, 2012 in San Francisco, California. The New York Giants defeated the San Francisco 49ers 26-3. Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 28: Will Hernandez #71 of the New York Giants in action against the Washington Redskins during their game at MetLife Stadium on October 28, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 28: Will Hernandez #71 of the New York Giants in action against the Washington Redskins during their game at MetLife Stadium on October 28, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

No. 2: DeForest Buckner vs. Will Hernandez

The 49ers aren’t the only team with a talented rookie offensive lineman in a starting role this season.

The Giants went with former UTEP guard Will Hernandez early in Round 2 of the 2018 NFL Draft. And while Niners right tackle Mike McGlinchey is solidifying himself as one of the game’s premier rookie linemen, Hernandez isn’t that far behind:

McGlinchey won’t have to worry about a prolific Giants pass rush. But Hernandez, on the other hand, will have to deal with a San Francisco pass rush that registered eight sacks against an arguably better Raiders offensive line in Week 9.

One of Hernandez’s chief assignments will be containing 49ers defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, who added to his team-high 5.5 sacks this season with one of those eight against Oakland.

Keep in mind, Eli Manning has had issues with the pass rush all year long. So if Buckner and Co. are winning this matchup against players like Hernandez, the Giants offense will be in a load of trouble.